An ear infection, or acute otitis media, occurs when a virus or bacteria infects the space behind the eardrum. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults, making them one of the most common childhood illnesses besides colds.
Signs and symptoms of an ear infection common in children include:
- Ear pain, especially when lying down
- Tugging or pulling at an ear
- Trouble sleeping
- Crying more than usual
- Fussiness
- Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
- Loss of balance
- Fever of 100˚ F (38˚ C) or higher
- Drainage fluid from the ear
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
Common signs and symptoms of an ear infection in adults include:
- Ear pain
- Drainage of fluid from the ear
- Trouble hearing
Ear infections often begin after a cold or another upper respiratory infection. The germs travel into your middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing the Eustachian tube to swell and become blocked. The blockage leads to poor Eustachian tube function and infected fluid in your middle ear.
Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the viruses and/or bacteria that cause them are.
Several factors can cause a risk of ear infections, including:
- Age
- Family history
- Colds
- Chronic illnesses
- Ethnicity
- Poor air quality and smoky environments
Most healthcare providers can tell if you have an ear infection based on symptoms and a physical exam. Other tests include:
- Tympanometry test
- Acoustic reflectometry test
- Tympanocentesis test
Treatment for ear infections can include:
- Pain medication
- Anesthetic drops
- Antibiotic therapy
To make an appointment with an ENT doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7110.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.